War of 1812 Time Table

The following is a chronological description of major events and battles that occurred before, during, and after the United States’ conflict with Great Britain for the rights of North American territories in the War of 1812.

Conflict

Dates

Location

Summary

1792-1814

France and Britain at war

1792-1812

Europe

France officially declares war against Great Britain on February 1, 1793.

1803-1812

British impress American sailors

1803-1812

High Seas

British captains compel more than 10,000 American sailors to serve on British ships.

1805

British monarchy

July 23

Abroad

The British decide in the frigate USS Essex case that American traders who travels between neutral and enemy ports will be justification for seizing many commercial ships.

After becoming re-elected, Madison appointed the New Yorker General John Armstrong as the new secretary of war in the hope that Armstrong's appointment would help to cumulate support for the war effort.

America declares war against the British

June 18

Washington, D.C.

With extensive pressure by Congress’s War Hawks, Madison signs into action the inevitable. Also known as “Mr. Madison’s War" or “The Second American Revolution."

The battle became a bloody defeat for U.S. General Hampton’s army of 7,000. The British prevailed with only 750 Canadians and Indians, which forced the Americans to abandon their plans to attack Montreal.

Battle of Tallushatchee

November 3

Alabama

Part of the Indian Creek War. General Andrew Jackson orders General John Coffee and his 2,500 Tennessee militia into battle. U.S. forces defeat the “Red Stick" Creeks — killing 180 Indians.

British peace offers

November 4

Britain/U.S.

Britain offers direct peace negotiations to the United States.

Battle of Talladega

November 9

Alabama

The battle was a counterattack by the Red Sticks from the Battle of Tallushatchee. Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, and Tennessee militiamen inflict casualties on 410 Creek Indians. The U.S. victory forces many natives out of the area.

Battle of Chrysler’s Farm

November 11

near Montreal, Canada

Strategic errors lead to an American disaster. General Wilkinson’s army of 8,000 is beaten by 800 British regulars and Indians.

British blockade extends farther

November 16

U.S. mid Atlantic/Southern states

The British blockade has extended to all southern and mid-Atlantic states.

American retreat

November 23

U.S./Canadian border

All American forces withdraw from Canada.

U.S. attacks Ft. Erie

November 27

Erie

American forces make an initial attack at British-occupied Ft. Erie.

U.S. withdraws from Ft. George

December 10

Newark

American forces are forced out of Ft. George and they burn Newark.

British capture Ft. Niagara

December 18-19

Lewiston

Ft. Niagara is captured by the British in a night attack. British forces destroy Lewiston and neighboring towns.

After the British capture and burn Washington, the Americans collide with the British outside of Baltimore at North Point. British General Ross is killed, and the British sustain 360 casualties. Americans fall back to Baltimore.

American forces ward off a combined British army of 5,000 and a sea invasion of 19 ships at Fort McHenry in Baltimore. The Star Spangled Banner is written by Francis Scott Key after he witnesses the Battle of Baltimore.

American forces attack from Fort Erie

September 17

Lake Ontario, Canada

American troops sortie out of the fort and manage to capture and wreck the British siege batteries.

The USS General Armstrong captured

September 26

Portuguese port of Horta

British break neutrality laws and capture Captain Reid and crew aboard the USS General Armstrong.

British ask for peace based on uti possidetis, a principle of international law allowing a belligerent to claim
the territory it occupies at the end of a war

October 21

Washington, D.C.

The British want to end the war, but be entitled to hold occupied American soil.

Americans flee Fort Erie

November 5

Lake Ontario, Canada

With winter approaching, the Americans destroy Fort Erie and withdraw to Buffalo.

U.S. retakes Pensacola

November 7

Pensacola, Florida

General Andrew Jackson drives the British out of Pensacola.

Uti possidetis peace talks canceled

November 27

Washington, D.C.

Americans want the British out completely.

Battle of Lake Borgne

December 14

Lake Borgne, Louisiana

Lt. Thomas A.C. Jones and his small flotilla of five U.S. gunboats defeat British Captain Nicholas Lockyer’s three columns of 45 boats.

By Daniel WebsterThe administration asserts the right to fill the ranks of the regular army by compulsion.... Is this, sir, consistent with the character of a free government? Is this civil liberty? Is this the real character of our Constitution? No, sir, indeed it is not. The Constitution is libeled.Speech in House of Representatives.By Winfield ScottMen of the eleventh! the enemy say we are good at a long shot, but cannot stand the cold iron. I call on you to give the lie to that slander. Charge! Battle of Chippewa, June 14, 1814